FAQ

Is 60 or 90mins a long time to be floating?

Once you become deeply relaxed you lose track of time and most say it feels like 15-20mins. You are free to get out earlier if you desire, but most of the benefits are felt after the 45min mark. Anything less than 45mins usually isn't long enough.

Whats better 60min or 90min floats?

A 60min float is still a wonderful experience however the 90min is the better float. As mentioned in the previous question, most of the benefits occur after the 45min mark. The 90min is a better experience because it gives you more time to get settled into the float along with more time in that deeply relaxed/meditative state. It's always better to finish your 90min float early at 70-80mins than finish your 60min float wishing you could stay longer.

How often should I float?

At least once a month but ultimately it comes down to your needs and desires. We recommend you float first and then see how long the benefits last you. After that people usually figure out themselves how often they would like to float. We recommend looking into our memberships and packages if you'd like to float more often.

Can I float if I’m pregnant?

Floating is great for pregnant women. There is even a special position that relieves all of the weight of the baby off the mother’s body.

Is there anything I should do to prepare?

Don’t drink coffee for several hours beforehand (it can make your system jittery). Also, don’t shave or wax since the salt water can irritate your skin. Eating a light meal about an hour to 90 minutes ahead of time stops your stomach from sounding like an angry monster while you float. Other than that, there’s no specific preparation needed.

Can I float if I’m menstruating?

Yes. Just follow the same protocol you would for a swimming pool.

Can I float if I just dyed my hair?

While there is no guarantee that the salt won’t strip some color from your hair, we recommend that you check if the water running through your hair in the shower at home is fully clear. If there is still some color coming out you should wait a couple of more days/showers.

I just got a tattoo, should I float?

Floating and fresh tattoos do not mix! Not only could floating with a fresh tattoo be painful (salt + open wounds = ouch) but the water solution could cause fading or discoloration of your tattoo and permanently ruin its aesthetic appeal. How long you should wait before floating depends on the tattoo and how quickly it heals, but tattoo artists/floaters we have talked to have suggested waiting 4-6 weeks.

Do I need to bring anything?

You may want to bring a comb, especially if you have longer hair. If you don't want to get your hair wet bring a swimming cap. If you want to remove your contacts bring a case to put your contact lenses into while you float. Other than that, we provide everything you need (towels, robes, ear plugs, body wash/shampoo) but you are free to bring your own. Each room is fully private so there’s no need to bring a bathing suit.

Can more than one person float in a tank at a time?

Only one person per tank. Double-wide tanks do exist, but we think that they take away from the whole ‘sensory deprivation’ experience.

Do I have to stay in the whole time?

There aren’t any latches on the tank doors, and you can get out anytime. That said, the 90-minutes usually goes by waaaay faster than you’d expect (our average floater usually says it felt like 15-30 minutes long).

Who invented these crazy devices?

John C. Lilly.

How long have float tanks been around?

The first float tank was developed in 1954. These involved full submersion in water and a breathing device that completely covered your face. The first lay down, commercial tanks were invented in the early 70’s.

What if I’m claustrophobic?

Being in the tanks is more like floating in outer space than being shut in a box. You’re always in control of your environment, and even people with extreme claustrophobia have reported having no problems with their time in the tank.

Is this new-agey mumbo jumbo?

Floating has been around for over 50 years and has oodles of published research to back it up. No mumbo or jumbo here.

Is it sanitary? How do you clean the tanks between floats?

1. The pod contains 800lbs of salt so it's not an ideal environment for bacteria. 2. Showers are taken before and after the float and we skim the water with a pool net between floats.3. Between each float and when not in use the water is filtered multiple times through a 1-10 micron filter. 4. The pod also contains an internal sanitation system using UV and Ozone. The UV kills any bio matter and the ozone eliminates whats left.5. We add 1.5 cups of hydrogen peroxide everyday.6. Once a week we add 1 table spoon of chlorine.Based on all this we would say it's cleaner that taking a bath at home! :)

Do I get dehydrated from soaking for so long?

No- your skin doesn’t even prune up, but it does become silky soft afterwards.

Can I drown if I fall asleep in there?

Nope. Some people fall asleep, but the water is so buoyant that you stay afloat. The worst that can happen is getting woken up by a bit of salt water in your eyes. We also know of a float center in Portland, Oregon that has done $80,000 floats with no serious issues!

Is this like altered states?

Yes, but without any of the risks or negative side effects of trying other methods such as ayahuasca. Compared to other methods Floating is legal, safe, easily accessible, and almost anyone can do it.